Valeron - set to start against Slovenia (Allsport)

By Paul Walker, PA Sport in Gwangiu

Click here to place your World Cup bets!
Click here for Spain team section
Click here for teams index
Click here for latest World Cup headlines
Click here for World Cup photo gallery
Click here for World Cup Bettingzone

Juan Carlos Valeron could be about to have Spain's future thrust into his hands.

The Deportivo La Coruna playmaker, who twice masterminded Champions League victories over Manchester United last season, could become the star of Spain's World Cup campaign.

The 27-year-old is not the best at defending in Spain's midfield, which casts doubts about his overall worth.

But as Spain begin their Group B campaign on Sunday against the determined new boys from Slovenia, his message to coach Jose Camacho is clear: "I'm in the best form of my life".

He said: "I've had a great season with Deportivo, getting to the Champions League quarter-finals and runners-up spot in the league at home.

"I know I'm playing well and this season has gone well for me. Now I want to play well and achieve something in this World Cup."

Camacho will almost certainly give him the chance to run Spain's midfield in a game his country dare not lose, if they are to avoid all the old demons about past World Cup fade-outs.

Valeron is convinced about is own qualities. He said: "The good thing also is that the coach has faith in me, some people have worried about my consistency and suggested others should play. But his support is important to me.

"I can't be sure, but I do believe my performances can improve further. What is certain is that I came here to win the World Cup."

Spain are always the World Cup fall-guys, one of the best nations but with an awful record in this tournament - something Slovenia in their first-ever finals hope to exploit.

But Valeron believes the Spanish are in the mood. He said: "This tournament is not just about me or any individual player, it's about us as a team and there is a good feeling in the camp about this game.

"We are all happy and relaxed, it's been a good build-up and we believe we can do well.

"I know people are also putting pressure on me to perform well and lead my country from midfield, but I do not feel that pressure, only a sense of responsibility as a player, I will do my best."

But Spain know this opener will be tough against a side who were the surprise package of Euro 2000.

Valeron's countryman Raul - who must form an understanding with the Deportivo ace - said: "Slovenia are tough opponents, we have faced each other in previous tournaments so we know each other well.

"They are strong in defence and midfield particularly, and to beat them we know we must take the initiative from the start and dominate the match or they will gain confidence and make life very hard for us."

And Slovenia's coach Srecko Katanec, the youngest boss in the competition, aims to make life as hard as Valeron and Raul fear.

He said: "We have been waiting along time for this, and we are all in good condition.

"It has been one miracle to qualify so we have already achieved a big thing to get here.

"Spain are far the better team with the best players and best clubs in Europe, but everything can change in two weeks.

"As we have already seen, the biggest names do not always win the biggest football matches."

end